Salsa dancing is a lively and passionate Latin dance that involves a basic pattern of six steps over eight counts of music, typically danced with a partner facing each other. The basic salsa rhythm follows a quick, quick, slow pattern using beats 1, 2, 3 and 5, 6, 7, while skipping beats 4 and 8.
Basic Salsa Steps for Beginners
For men:
- Step forward with your left foot on beat 1.
- Shift weight to your right foot (in place) on beat 2.
- Step backward with your left foot on beat 3 and pause on beat 4.
- Step backward with your right foot on beat 5.
- Shift weight to your left foot on beat 6.
- Step forward with your right foot on beat 7 and pause on beat 8.
For women:
- Step backward with your right foot on beat 1.
- Shift weight to your left foot on beat 2.
- Step forward with your right foot on beat 3 and pause on beat 4.
- Step forward with your left foot on beat 5.
- Shift weight to your right foot on beat 6.
- Step backward with your left foot on beat 7 and pause on beat 8.
Key Points for Salsa Dancing
- Keep your upper body straight and move your hips as much as possible.
- Steps are small, especially with faster music.
- Weight shifts from foot to foot with each step.
- Dancing is often done in closed or open position with a partner.
- Counting the music helps coordinate movements: 1 2 3 pause, 5 6 7 pause.
- Master the basic steps before moving to turns and more complex moves.
There are many video tutorials available that show the basic steps and timing, which can be very helpful for beginners to follow along and practice at home.
